Development plan · Longford County Council
Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Longford County Council · 2021–2027 · 486 pages
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- CPO 6.1 CPO 6.2 CPO 6.3 CPO 6.4 CPO 6.5 CPO 6.6 CPO 6.7 CPO 6.8 CPO 6.9 CPO 6.10 CPO 6.11 CPO 6.12 Compact Growth Urban Regeneration (Housing) – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Work with all relevant stakeholders in the promotion of urban ‘compact growth’ regeneration in County Longford and establish a database of strategic brownfield and infill sites so that a ‘pipeline’ of development opportunities can be kept under review through monitoring and reporting. Facilitate urban development on infill/brownfield sites through the redevelopment and regeneration of underused, vacant or derelict town centre and urban lands to create more desirable places in which people can live and work. Piecemeal development of individual plots will generally not be permitted, unless it is satisfactorily demonstrated that the development will not jeopardise the comprehensive redevelopment of surrounding lands. Enable infill and appropriate brownfield redevelopment in order to maximise the efficient use of existing infrastructure and services and promote a positive modal shift towards sustainable transport use. Promote increased urban densities and building heights at suitable locations in accordance with the settlement hierarchy, in accordance with Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018), or any future amendments or updates of the same. Enhance accessibility and sustainable mobility within the town centres of Longford, Edgeworthstown, Granard, Ballymahon, Lanesborough and Drumlish, by improving links between the core and surrounding areas through the further integration of public transport, walking and cycling facilities. Set out measures to reduce vacancy and the underuse of existing building stock and support initiatives that promote the reuse, refurbishment and retrofitting of existing buildings within urban centres. Support efforts to deal with waste and contamination relating to brownfield regeneration. Deliver compact urban growth through the delivery of innovative adaptable urban schemes. Deliver compact growth and regeneration through active land management Encourage the development of improved connectivity, provision of services and good quality public realm in urban locations and create an environment for investment in high quality residential development and supporting services and amenities such as schools, shops, recreation areas and open spaces. Carry out master planning to ensure that large areas of land, are appropriately planned and developed in a sustainable manner, which includes provision for phasing, infrastructure provision, community facilities, density, layout, open spaces, landscaping and development design briefs and statements. Require all development proposals for strategic brownfield and infill sites be accompanied by a site brief and/or masterplan that sets out a phased programme for the regeneration of the site and demonstrates how the proposal will comply with National Guidelines that seek to integrate principles of good urban design, planning and placemaking. 181County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 6.4.2 Economic Urban Regeneration Longford is the eighth most deprived region in the country, according to the latest national deprivation index. The report draws on Census data and scores areas based on indicators such as unemployment rates, educational attainment, housing and loneparent ratio. This is seen as a contributor to anti-social behaviour and related problems. It is recognised that there are a particular number of areas in the County which are blackspots in terms of economic opportunity and anti-social behaviour, and this requires targeted regeneration measures. In accordance with the Regional Policy contained with the EMRA RSES, (RPO 6.61), Longford County Council recognises the importance of both promoting economic opportunity and supporting social inclusion measures including the revitalisation of areas by physical regeneration, planning, investment and community development. In particular attention will be given to deprived areas in the urban areas of Longford Town, Granard, Edgeworthstown, Lanesborough, Ballymahon and Drumlish. In this regard Longford County Council will work collaboratively with relevant agencies to support the consolidation and development of strategically located land banks for enterprise and employment opportunity, and associated regeneration gain. This will include collaboration with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland on the availability of sites of enterprise purposes. The Upper Shannon Erne Future Economic Project, which is a collaboration between the Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon local authorities with ESB and Bord na Móna, provides the opportunity to deliver cross regional economic projects. In terms of physical and enabling infrastructure, it is recognised that County Longford is centrally located within the country, and Longford Town itself is strategically located on the N4/M4 from Dublin to Sligo, with national roads including the N55, N5 and N63. Planned infrastructure upgrades include the N4 from Mullingar to Carrick-on Shannon and there is further potential to provide for enhanced rail service on the Dublin – Sligo rail line and improve connections to Athlone. Natural gas has already come to Ballymahon and should be capitalised on. CPO 6.13 CPO 6.14 CPO 6.15 CPO 6.16 CPO 6.17 Economic Urban Regeneration – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Work with all relevant stakeholders in the promotion of economic regeneration and support infrastructure. Engage with communities, landowners, public and private sector agencies, the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) and other council departments in terms of regeneration opportunities for the towns and County. Support the consolidation of the town centres of Longford, Ballymahon, Granard, Edgeworthstown, Ballymahon, Lanesborough and Drumlish and the enhancement and linking of brownfield and outlying sites to the town centres, with a focus on the regeneration of underused buildings and strategic sites. Support the development and regeneration of publicly owned land banks in the ‘Key Town’ of Longford and the self-sustaining and growth towns of Granard, Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Lanesborough and Drumlish for residential, employment, education, community, cultural and recreational opportunities, and target the utilisation of available funding where available. Support social inclusion measures including the revitalisation of areas by physical regeneration, planning, investment and community development. In particular attention will be given to deprived areas in the urban areas of Longford Town, Granard, Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Lanesborough and Drumlish. 182Longford County Council
- CPO 6.18 CPO 6.19 CPO 6.20 CPO 6.21 CPO 6.22 CPO 6.23 CPO 6.24 CPO 6.25 CPO 6.26 CPO 6.27 CPO 6.28 CPO 6.29 CPO 6.30 Economic Urban Regeneration – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support the development of projects which support community led themes of Local Action Plans, in terms of digital connectivity, enterprise creation opportunities, public realm and environment, tourism infrastructure, promotion and marketing. Secure projects to promote social inclusion and community integration in conjunction with EU initiatives on Urban Security. Develop an Action Plan for Town Centre Renewal which brings redundant, under-utilised and derelict land and buildings back into active use as a first preference ahead of peripheral areas, and which reduces the need for greenfield development, supporting the urban fabric and re using existing resources. Support the viability of small towns and villages through sustainable targeted measures that address vacant premises and deliver sustainable reuse and regeneration outcomes targeted in core areas. Encourage pilot projects for the re-use of brownfield sites and encourage active temporary uses, where feasible, in order to encourage activation of vacant sites that require longer lead in time for regeneration. Ensure development proposals on infill sites within existing streetscapes provide active frontages. Ensure in accordance with the ‘Framework for Town Centre Renewal, 2017’ that ‘health checks’ are carried out for town centres and that more vibrant town centres are created in terms of: ■ Accessibility ■ Pedestrian Flows ■ Environmental Quality ■ Public Realm ■ Diversity of Uses Promote access to sustainable transport and availability of alternative transport modes such as walking and cycling between strategic areas and services. Support and provision and development of serviced industrial and commercial sites in the towns and villages throughout the County, as appropriate. Support the provision and development of Enterprise Hubs in the towns and villages throughout the County, as appropriate. Promote high speed broadband availability to communities and the potential for remote working. Develop initiatives to promote the expansion of the Gas network in collaboration with Gas Networks Ireland. Promote measures to enhance investment opportunities in employment generation in conjunction with cross regional initiatives. 183County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 6.4.3 Heritage Urban Regeneration Planning for the regeneration of a historic town needs an integrated approach that balances the protection of the built heritage and the sustainable development of historic urban areas with the needs of modern living and takes account of the concerns and aspirations of the community and key stakeholders. This requires the coordination and management of different stakeholders. The development of a common vision for a town, supported by a coordinated and integrated series of objectives and a programme of realistic, achievable actions, will balance the conservation of heritage, alongside the needs of those who live in and use the historic town. Bringing unused or underused spaces within towns back into use has many advantages, such as reviving economic value, activating abandoned and derelict sites, and reducing pressure for greenfield development. Additional initiatives to promote placemaking and the economic vibrancy include Town Centre Health checks, historic and public realm plans, which are linked to statutory local area plans. The importance of community led village design and enhancement statements is also recognised. Local distinctiveness is key to each town having a unique selling point and the character and distinctiveness of the historic built environment are recognised as central to future vitality and viability. It is recognised that there are opportunities for Longford County Council in conjunction with other stakeholders to target funding initiatives for heritage led regeneration. Examples of such heritage led regeneration are the Connolly Barracks and the Camlin Quarter area in Longford town; and the reuse of the former Lanesborough ESB power plant building. CPO 6.31 CPO 6.32 CPO 6.33 CPO 6.34 Heritage Urban Regeneration – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Work with all relevant stakeholders in the promotion of heritage led regeneration. Promote the sensitive and adaptive reuse of Protected Structures, historic building stock and industrial structures, where appropriate Undertake initiatives to promote placemaking and economic vibrancy in terms of Town Centre Health checks, historic and public realm plans and community led village design and enhancement statements. Seek where possible European, national and regional regeneration related funding to support heritage led regeneration projects. 184Longford County Council
- 6.4.4 Rural Regeneration The NPF identifies the need to strengthen and diversify rural towns to be a focus for local housing and employment growth. Rural towns can act as a focus for development in their areas through the provision of services across economic, social and administrative areas. For some rural areas in the county, urban and commuter generated development has undesirably affected the character and cohesion of these locations. Simultaneously, in less accessible rural locations, population levels have declined, and it has been difficult to sustain basic services and community facilities at these locations. It is recognised that the RIAI’s Toolkit for Towns and Villages provides useful advice for local authorities in relation to rural regeneration. The RSES aims to strengthen the fabric of rural Ireland, supporting rural towns and communities. The rejuvenation of rural towns and villages requires that appropriate job creation can be supported in rural areas. It is recognised that provision of serviced or serviceable sites in a manner that provides a structured space for new enterprise would help to sustain smaller rural communities. Small industrial estates on the edge of towns facilitate local enterprise and entrepreneurship would help prevent both drift to larger urban centres and the construction of one-off units around domestic properties in rural areas. The countryside within the County provides for rural economies and rural communities, based on agriculture, forestry, tourism and rural enterprise. Traditional sectors such as agriculture, tourism, extractive industries and forestry are complemented by diversification in sectors such as food, renewable energy and opportunities provided from improved digital connectivity. The agri-food sector plays a significant role in Ireland’s rural economy and this sector is supported through the implementation of Food Wise 2025.The forestry sector is another significant contributor to the economy. Also, energy production, including renewable energy in the form of wind, solar and biomass have to date largely been provided in rural areas and the location of future renewable energy production is likely to be met in rural areas. (see Chapter 9: Rural Enterprise). Another significant contributor to the economy is the tourism sector and the development of greenways, blueways and peatways to provide an alternative visitor experience. The RSES supports tourism development and promotional branding to ensure that areas associated with Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East are developed and promoted to tap into the economic potential of rural areas (see Chapter 9: Rural Enterprise and Chapter 10: Tourism in relation to the development of tourism in the County). In this regard Longford has a rich cultural heritage with potential to develop as a recreation and tourism hub, building on its proximity to attractions such as Centre Parcs, the Royal Canal, the proposed Dublin-Westport Greenway, the Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park, and also key assets within Longford town such as St Mel’s Cathedral, the River Camlin, the Back Stage Theatre and walking routes such as the Rebel and Literary Trails. It is recognised that delivering on County Longford’s walking and cycling strategy will provide links to national and cross regional walking and cycling trails, which will also provide economic benefit and regeneration. There is also potential to build on significant investment in the nearby flagship Center Parc’s holiday village and the investment by the local authority in tourism and recreational infrastructure. It is recognised that the provision of suitable accommodation is essential in order to maximise the return from visitors to the county. In keeping with the NPF, and the EMRA RSES, Longford County Council will support the longer-term strategic planning for industrial peatland areas. This may include support, where appropriate, for a Transition Team and preparation of a comprehensive after use framework plan for the peatlands and related infrastructure, which addresses environmental, economic and social issues, including employment and replacement enterprise reflecting the current transition from employment based around peat extraction. In terms of the disused bogs, their use for tourism, aquaculture and market gardening / herb growing will be considered. The reuse of the Lanesborough power plant as a potential opportunity site for tourism or enterprise is also recognised. 185County Development Plan 2021–2027
- CPO 6.35 CPO 6.39 CPO 6.36 CPO 6.40 CPO 6.37 CPO 6.41 CPO 6.38 CPO 6.42 CPO 6.43 CPO 6.44 CPO 6.45 Rural Regeneration – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in the promotion of rural regeneration in County Longford. Encourage in rural areas that have experienced decline or stagnation, sustainable growth, having regard to the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements. Support the regeneration of rural towns and villages through identification of regeneration projects for rural villages and rural areas and utilisation of appropriate funding opportunities. Support the recommendations of the RIAI’s Toolkit for Towns and Villages in relation to rural regeneration. Encourage provision of serviced or serviceable sites in a manner that provides a structured space for new enterprise in order to sustain smaller rural communities. Support the development of small industrial estates on the edge of towns in order to facilitate local enterprise and entrepreneurship. Support and protect existing rural economies and valuable agricultural lands to ensure sustainable food supply. Support the diversification of rural economies to create additional jobs and maximise opportunities in emerging sectors, such as agri-business, renewable energy, rural tourism and forestry enterprise. Support the designation of the Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park as a UNESCO Biosphere candidate site in the County. Support the development of Longford as a tourism hub having regard to its accessibility to key tourist destinations in the Region, including Center Parcs, and proximity to natural amenities and recreational opportunities. Support and encourage the provision of additional suitable tourist accommodation in appropriate locations throughout the County. 6.5 Mechanisms to Deliver Regeneration 6.5.1 Active Land Management Achieving compact growth targets will require active land management responses to ensure that land and building resources within existing settlements are used to their full potential. In this regard Longford County Council will establish a database of strategic brownfield and infill sites so that brownfield site re-use can be managed and coordinated across multiple stakeholders as part of the active land management process. Such Active Land Management may be delivered through a number of mechanisms which are discussed accordingly: - 6.5.1.1 Collaboration with National Land Development Agency The National Land Development Agency established under the NPF has the objective of maintaining and enhancing the capacity for co-ordinating and developing large, strategically located land banks, in order to promote the delivery of housing and other development in order to provide more affordable homes. The Agency is to have Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers and drive renewal of strategic 186Longford County Council
- areas not being utilised to their full potential (NPF National Policy Objectives 1242 and 6643). The Agency will access the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund in order to achieve these goals. In this regard Longford County Council will work collaboratively with the National Land Development Agency (LDA) in their role to support the consolidation and development of strategically located land banks, particularly publicly owned lands, to unlock housing and regeneration opportunities. 6.5.1.2 Application of Vacant Site Levy (VSL) The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 is a site activation measure to bring vacant and underutilised land in urban areas into beneficial use, while ensuring a more effective return on State investment by enabling infrastructure and helping to counter unsustainable urban sprawl. It introduced a statutory obligation for all Planning Authorities to establish a register of vacant sites. The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 sets out two broad categories of vacant land that the levy may apply to: ■ Lands zoned primarily for residential purposes; ■ Lands in need of regeneration which includes: • Mixed Use/Expanded Town Centre zonings as they offer opportunities to sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of town centres and where appropriate to consolidate urban areas. • All ‘Enterprise and Employment’ and ‘Commercial’ zoned lands contained within Tier 1 – Tier 3 of the County’s settlement hierarchy. These land use zonings are subject to the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 with respect to the Vacant Site Levy for ‘regeneration’ purposes. The application of the VSL needs to be coordinated with the strategic focus on compact growth in the development plan. Longford County Council have identified a number of Vacant Sites to date, which will also be designated as ‘regeneration areas’. CPO 6.46 CPO 6.50 CPO 6.47 CPO 6.48 CPO 6.49 Active Land Management – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote more active land management and co-ordinate provision of enabling infrastructure particularly on publicly owned lands. Support the National Land Development Agency and other relevant agencies in co-ordinating and developing large, strategically located landbanks, particularly publicly owned lands, in town centres and other locations as deemed appropriate throughout the County. Use, where appropriate, Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) and other incentives including development contributions in combination with the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 in order to encourage urban regeneration of brownfield lands over the development of greenfield sites Maintain and update a Vacant Sites Register in accordance with the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015. Facilitate the implementation of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, by utilising site activation measures, including the provision of the Vacant Site Levy, to assist in bringing vacant and underutilised zoned land into beneficial use. 42 NPO 12 The Government will establish a National Regeneration and Development Agency to work with local authorities, other public bodies and capital spending departments and agencies to co-ordinate and secure the best use of public lands, investment required within the capital envelopes provided in the National Development Plan and to drive the renewal of strategic areas not being utilised to their full potential. The Government will consider how best to make State lands available to such a body to kick-start its development role and to legislate for enhanced compulsory purchase powers to ensure that the necessary transformation of the places most in need of regeneration can take place more swiftly and effectively. 43 NPO 66 A more effective strategic and centrally managed approach will be taken to realise the development potential of the overall portfolio of state owned and/or influenced lands in the five main cities other major urban areas and in rural towns and villages as a priority, particularly through the establishment of a National Regeneration and Development Agency 187County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 6.5.2 Designation of ‘Regeneration Areas’ This Plan sets a framework to identify and secure the redevelopment and regeneration of areas in need of renewal and supports the active land management of vacant sites to address incidents of urban decay and vacancy. The primary objective is to facilitate long-term economic development in the County and the delivery of sustainable housing and the generation of economic activity. The designation of ‘regeneration areas’ in the Development Plan is a requirement for the implementation of the Vacant Site Register under the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act, 2015. All Vacant sites identified are subject to the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 with respect to the Vacant Site Levy and are deemed in this Plan for ‘regeneration’ purposes. Further Regeneration areas are identified which correspond with those areas identified as Strategic Sites and having a site resolution objective in the Longford Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2016-2022 (see Appendix 3). These areas contain lands that detract from the overall area in which they are situate, either by way of heightened levels of vacancy (commercial, industrial, residential) or through poor maintenance and/or dereliction, or a mix of these attributes. These areas are prominently located and have a significant visual impact that affects the overall image and investment potential of the town and environs. Strategic Site no. 6 is substantially within the floodplain, and as such has to be very sensitively dealt with, and its use for flood attenuation and urban forestry may be more appropriate. Additional areas such as the Ardnacassa area of Longford Town and the Lanesborough Power Plan site are other areas which are suffering from social and economic deprivation and will also be subject to designation as ‘regeneration areas’ (see Appendix 3). It is anticipated that additional regeneration areas will be identified in Longford town, in other settlements throughout the County and in rural areas during the lifetime of the Development Plan, as the need arises. CPO 6.51 CPO 6.52 CPO 6.53 CPO 6.54 Regeneration Areas – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote the appropriate development and regeneration of the designated ‘regeneration areas’ identified in this Plan and to include ‘vacant sites’. Promote the development and regeneration of the strategic sites identified in the Longford Local Area Plan. Identify additional ‘regeneration areas’ as required, to include areas suffering from social and economic deprivation, both within Longford town and throughout the County. Promote innovative solutions to ensure social, economic and environmental gain for communities. 6.5.3 Master Planning This consists of a holistic approach to development through social, economic and environmental initiatives. Masterplans can be used as useful tools to act as a driver for regeneration, in terms of providing a clear strategy for future development which also provides an opportunity to tap into various funding streams. Among the current Masterplans in County Longford are the following: 6.5.3.1 Camlin Quarter Masterplan This plan deals with the Development of the Camlin Quarter including Connolly Barracks, Church St. Great Water Street, Little Water Street onto the Albert Reynolds Peace Park, enhancing the public realm, investigation of potential land uses, landbank assembly and connectivity improvements. This plan continues to form the basis of funding applications in support of identified actions, including large-scale development proposals under the URDF. Vacant Residential Properties in Granard 188Longford County Council
- 6.5.3.2 Draft Ballyminion Regeneration Masterplan 2019 This Draft Masterplan sets out to stimulate physical development that is underpinned by a commitment to community development and environmental sustainability. The Ballyminion area has been recognised as an area of strategic importance in the Longford Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2016- 2022. It is believed the area could act as a potential catalyst for the further development of Longford Town. The region is home to a range of commercial, community, and residential activity including Pulse Logistics, the Primary Care Centre, and the Glenn Riada housing estate. However, the area has also been subject to considerable dereliction, flooding, anti-social behaviour and visual disamenity issues. However, due to its proximity to the strategic road network and town centre, it is seen as an area of unmet potential (with the exception of some area’s within or adjoining a floodplain). As such it offers a significant regeneration opportunity, in addition to flood attenuation and urban forestry reserves. 6.5.3.3 Other Potential Masterplans Other areas in the County could also benefit from such Master planning i.e. the Ardnacassa area of Longford town. In this regard Longford County Council will continue to prepare masterplans for areas in need of regeneration throughout the county, as these provide a clear vision for the area in terms of rejuvenation and aid in securing much needed funding streams in order to carry out such projects. It is anticipated that a masterplan will be prepared for each of the sites identified as Strategic Sites / having Specific Site Objectives as identified in the Longford Local Area Plan and as indicated in Figure 6.2 during the lifetime of this Development Plan. Additional areas such as the Ardnacassa area of Longford Town and other areas suffering from social and economic deprivation both within Longford town and throughout the County will also be prioritised. CPO 6.55 CPO 6.56 CPO 6.57 CPO 6.59 CPO 6.58 CPO 6.60 CPO 6.61 Regeneration Areas – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Masterplans shall be prepared in consultation with the community and also with relevant statutory bodies. Carry out master planning to ensure that large areas of land are appropriately planned and developed in a sustainable manner, which include provision for phasing, infrastructure provision, community facilities, density, layout, open spaces, landscaping and development design briefs and statements. Promote the development of the strategic sites identified in the Longford Local Area Plan on a masterplan basis. Finalise and agree a masterplan for the appropriate regeneration and renaturing of the floodplain areas of the Ballyminion area of Longford Town. Prepare masterplans for additional areas as required, such as the Ardnacassa area of Longford Town and other areas suffering from social and economic deprivation both within Longford town and throughout the County. Encourage private development in accordance with a detailed and agreed masterplan that fully addresses the potential of the site in its wider context. Seek funding from a variety of local, national and EU sources as part of the dedicated County regeneration initiative. 189County Development Plan 2021–2027
- The URDF which was launched in 2018 and is a ten year national programme which sets out to support compact sustainable development, through the regeneration of Ireland’s cities and large towns towards more compact and sustainable urban environments in line with national and regional policy. Inny River, Ballymahon 190Longford County Council
Source Longford County Council: Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.